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United States Patent |
5,103,713
|
Loving
|
April 14, 1992
|
Imaging target sight
Abstract
An optical missile sight that provides a gunner with the ability to view
along a missile line of sight in order to sight a potential target prior
to missile launch. The sight comprises an imaging telescope, an optical
coupling arrangement that comprises (1) a flexible fiber optic bundle
disposed in obedient sheathing, or (2) a reflective optics arrangement and
a fiber optic bundle, and an objective lens employed for viewing. In the
case of the flexible fiber optic bundle, the telescope is disposed along
the centerline of the missile, and the optical components of the optical
coupling arrangement are disposed in a flexible housing that extends from
inside the missile to the outside of the launch tube. In one embodiment
the fiber optic bundle is sheared during launch, while in another
embodiment, the fiber bundle is separated at the missile/launch tube
interface prior to launch. In the case of the reflective optics
arrangement, the optical components of the telescope are disposed inside
the missile and the optical coupling arrangement components are disposed
both inside and outside of the missile, and a fiber optics bundle is
employed to transmit the image scene to the gunner outside the launch
tube.
Inventors:
|
Loving; Ronald E. (Simi Valley, CA)
|
Assignee:
|
Hughes Aircraft Company (Los Angeles, CA)
|
Appl. No.:
|
612240 |
Filed:
|
November 13, 1990 |
Current U.S. Class: |
89/1.816; 89/41.19 |
Intern'l Class: |
F41F 003/042; F41G 001/38; F41G 001/46 |
Field of Search: |
244/3.12
89/41.05,41.06,41.19,1.816
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3641261 | Feb., 1972 | Chaplin et al. | 350/96.
|
3678590 | Jul., 1972 | Hayward | 33/241.
|
3753538 | Aug., 1973 | Morsh et al. | 244/3.
|
4255013 | Mar., 1981 | Allen | 33/247.
|
4518221 | May., 1985 | Francois | 350/96.
|
4611771 | Sep., 1986 | Gibbon et al. | 244/3.
|
4770370 | Sep., 1988 | Pinson | 244/3.
|
4860968 | Aug., 1989 | Pinson | 244/3.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
0192550 | Aug., 1986 | EP.
| |
1244020 | Jul., 1967 | DE.
| |
3004635 | Aug., 1981 | DE.
| |
0008105 | Jan., 1981 | JP.
| |
0193403 | Nov., 1984 | JP.
| |
Other References
"Fiber Optics for Industrial Use", American Cystoscope Makers, Inc. 6/7/61.
OA Fiberscope System, American Optical Corporation, Spie Journal 4/1970 pp.
G-17.
AO Fiberoptics, American Optical, 9/3/74, pp. 1-9.
|
Primary Examiner: Brown; David H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sales; Michael W., Denson-Low; Wanda K.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A weapon system for use by a gunner comprising:
a missile or like article having a nose section and a centerline along the
length of the missile;
a launch tube for receiving and launching the missile;
an imaging telescope disposed inside the missile in the nose section and
having a predetermined line of sight relative to the centerline for
looking out from the nose of the missile to provide an image of a target;
an objective lens assembly disposed outside the missile and the launch tube
for providing an image to the gunner;
means for optically coupling the image from the telescope and to the
objective lens assembly; and
means for separating said coupling means prior to or during launch whereby
said telescope is disconnected from said objective assembly after launch.
2. The weapon system of claim 1 wherein the objective lens assembly is
secured to the launch tube.
3. The weapon system of claim 1 wherein the telescope is disposed along the
line of sight of the missile such that the line of sight of the telescope
is the line of sight of the missile.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the separating means includes an imbilical
connector assembly.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the telescope is disposed such that the
line of sight of the telescope is at an angle to the centerline of the
missile.
6. The system of claim 1 whrein said telescope terminates at an exterior
surface of the launch tube.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes at least two
reflectors disposed between the telescope and the objective lens assembly
for reflecting the image outside the missile.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the image is a visible light image.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the coupling means includes a fiber optic
cable within a flexible housing.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the separating means comprises an
aperture in the launch tube for shearing the cable when the missile is
launched.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to sighting devices, and more
particularly, to a missile sighting device for use with a man-portable
missile.
Conventional man-portable missiles incorporate sighting mechanisms that are
located outside the launch tubes. Consequently, aiming errors are present
due to the inaccuracy of the sight alignment with the missile center axis
or the center axis of its inertial guidance system.
Accordingly, there has been a need for a small arms and man-portable
missile sight that permits the gunner to directly sight down the center of
the missile axis, and which simplifies the optical alignment procedures
during manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the features and advantages of the present invention, an
optical missile sight provides a gunner with the ability to look along a
missile line of sight in order to sight a potential target prior to
missile launch. The sight comprises (1) an imaging telescope, (2) an
optical coupler that comprises (a) a flexible fiber optic bundle disposed
in a flexible housing that extends from inside the missile to outside the
missile launcher or (b) a reflective optical coupler having components
disposed inside and outside the missile and a fiber optic bundle disposed
in a flexible housing that is located outside the missile launcher, and
(3) an objective lens employed for viewing. In embodiments that employ the
flexible fiber optic bundle and housing, the telescope is disposed along
the centerline of the missile, or at a slight angle relative to the
centerline of the missile, and the optical components of the optical
coupling arrangement are disposed intermediate the ends of the flexible
housing that extends from inside the missile to the outside of the launch
tube.
In one embodiment the fiber optic bundle is sheared during launch, while in
another embodiment, the fiber bundle is separated at the missile/launch
tube interface prior to launch. In the case of the reflective optics
arrangement, the optical components of the telescope are disposed inside
the missile and the optical coupling arrangement components are disposed
both inside and outside of the missile, and a fiber optics bundle is
employed to convey images to the gunner. The sight extends from inside the
missile where it is aligned to optimize the sighting of the missile toward
its intended target, to outside the launch tube and to the gunner's
location.
The flexible sheath or housing comprises a flexible sheath formed of two
interlocked spiral coils. It may be made of plastic, or a metal such as
chrome plated steel, stainless steel, or the like. Such a flexible sheath
is conventionally used in gooseneck lamps or microphone stands, and may be
manually bent into a curved shape and will remain in that shape. Such a
housing allows the gunner to position the eyepiece for best viewing. Once
positioned, it will not move. This is sometimes known as obedient
sheathing material. The fiber optic bundle is also flexible, and is
disposed within the flexible housing and permits conveying images from the
image scene to the gunner. The sight thus permits the gunner to look
generally along the line of sight of the missile he is about to launch.
Whatever the gunner aims at will be the target that the missile goes after
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more
readily understood with reference to the following detailed description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
FIG. 1a shows a first embodiment of a flexible sight in accordance with the
principles of the present invention integrated into a missile and launch
tube;
FIG. 1b is a front view of the missile and launch tube of FIG. 1a;
FIG. 1c is a cross sectional view of the missile and launch tube of FIG. 1a
and FIG. 1b taken along the line c--c of FIG. 1a;
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a flexible sight in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a flexible sight in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a flexible sight in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a flexible sight constructed in accordance with
the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an image of a target obtained through the sight of FIG. 5 showing
a reticle or cross hairs and showing stadia markers;
FIG. 7 is a side view of a threaded ferrule used in the remote imaging
target sight of FIG. 5 to terminate a bundle of optical fibers;
FIG. 8 shows the viewing end of the threaded ferrule of FIG. 7 illustrating
how the ends of the bundle of optical fibers define a rectangular planar
viewing matrix; and
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a viewing tube assembly of the flexible
sight of FIG. 5 illustrating the various layers that it includes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b, and FIG. 1c show a first
embodiment of an optical missile sight 10 in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. The optical missile sight 10 has one
end disposed in the interior of a missile 17, and has the other end
disposed on or near the exterior of a missile launch tube 16. FIG. 1a
shows a side view of the missile 17 and launch tube 16 partly in section
and partly broken away. FIG. 1b shows a front view of the missile 17 and
launch tube 16. FIG. 1c shows a cross sectional view taken along the line
c--c of FIG. 1a of the missile 17 and launch tube 16. FIG. 1a is a first
embodiment for a missile system 2 where a telescope 11 is tilted at an
angle to the centerline of the missile. This embodiment may be used in
applications where loft of the missile relative to the target is desired
at launch. FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 generally depict the preferred embodiment of
a missile system according to the invention wherein a telescope is aligned
with the centerline and line of sight of the missile. In both the aligned
and tilted telescope embodiments, the telescope 11 is disposed in the nose
of the missile and looks outward toward a target (not shown) such as a
tank, etc.
The optical missile sight 10 provides a gunner with the ability to look
down the center axis of the missile 17 in order to aim at a potential
target prior to missile launch. The sight 10 comprises an imaging
telescope 11, an optical coupling arrangement 12 that comprises a flexible
fiber optic bundle 13 disposed within a flexible housing 14, and an
objective lens 15 employed for viewing. The telescope may be secured in
place using screws, epoxy, brackets, or other conventional means. The
housing 14 comprises a metal or plastic housing 14 that flexes into a
desired shape selected by the gunner. The housing 14 may comprise two
interlocked spiral coils such as is used on a gooseneck lamp, or on a
microphone stand, or used in armored electrical cable such as BX cable.
Such a housing 14 enables a gunner to position the objective lens 15 for
best viewing.
Once positioned, the position of the objective lens 15 does not move
because the housing 14 is made of obedient sheathing material. The fiber
optic bundle 13 is also flexible, and is disposed within the flexible
housing 14 and permits transmission of light from the image scene to the
exterior of the launch tube 16. The telescope 11 is disposed along the
centerline 6 of the missile 17, and the optical components of the optical
coupling arrangement 12 are disposed in a flexible housing 14 that extends
from inside the missile 17 to outside of the launch tube 16.
In operation, the sight 10 provides a gunner with the ability to sight
directly along the centerline of the missile 17. Once a potential target
is determined, the missile 17 is launched and the fiber optic bundle 13 is
sheared where the surface of the missile 17 adjoins the surface of the
launch tube 16 such as at 18.
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an optical sight 10a in accordance with
the principles of the present invention. The sight 10a comprises
substantially the same components as in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The
embodiment of FIG. 2 shows the area 18a where the fiber optic bundle 13a
shears. This occurs at first movement between missile body 17a and launch
tube 16a. The fiber optic bundle 13a is about 1/8 inch thick and is
rigidly bonded together in this area to form a brittle glass tube.
The separation may be accomplished by using a form of umbilical connector
as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3. Two imaging fiber bundles may be
butted together to pass the image on to the gunner. The butt junction 18b
is disconnected at the first movement between missile body and launch tube
16b. In this embodiment, the portion of the housing 14b and fiber optic
bundle 13b that is outside of the launch tube 16b is potentially reusable
for subsequent missile launches.
FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an optical sight 10c in accordance with
the principles of the present invention. This embodiment incorporates a
reflective optics arrangement. The sight 10c incorporates the telescope
11c and reflective optical coupling arrangement 12c that transmits light
from the telescope to the exterior of the missile 17c at the gunner's
location. A fiber optics bundle 13c disposed in a flexible housing 14c is
also employed, but these components are disposed completely outside of the
launch tube 16c. The flexible housing 14c is typically secured to the side
of the launch tube in a position appropriate for use by the gunner. In the
case of the reflective optics arrangement of FIG. 4, the optical
components of the telescope 11c are disposed inside the missile 17c and
components of the optical coupling arrangement 12c are disposed both
inside and outside of the missile 17c. A fiber optics bundle 13c is
employed to transmit the image to the gunner. The sight 10c extends from
inside the missile 17c where it generally looks down the center axis of
the missile 17c, to outside the launch tube and to the gunner's location
by means of the fiber optics bundle 13c and housing 14c.
The sight 10, 10a, 10b, 10c in the disclosed embodiments, permits the
gunner to look down the center axis of the missile 17 he is about to
launch. Whatever the gunner aims at will be the target that the missile 17
goes after. Accordingly, the sight of the present invention permits the
gunner to directly sight down the center of the missile axis. The design
of the sight simplifies the optical alignment procedures during
manufacture.
Heretofore, iron sights for aiming man-portable missiles have been located
on the exterior of the launch tube. This arrangement makes it difficult to
accurately align the sight. First, an inertial sensor assembly (ISA) is
installed in the missile and aligned therewith. Then, the missile is
inserted into the launch tube, and the launch tube is aligned with the ISA
in the missile. Finally, the iron sight on the exterior of the launch tube
is aligned with the axis of the launch tube. The slightest shock or jar
throws the whole system out of alignment.
In accordance with the present invention, the optical sight and the ISA are
married together. The optical sight inside the missile is rigidly affixed
to the ISA by welding, screwing or bonding with epoxy cement. Thus, when
the ISA is aligned to the missile, the optical sight is aligned to the
missile at the same time. Accordingly, it does not matter whether the
launch tube is aligned to the missile, or whether the optical sight is
aligned to the launch tube. As long as the optical sight is aligned to the
ISA, the central processing unit inside the missile accurately guides the
missile along the line of sight. Consequently, aiming errors typically
present in conventional missile launching systems due to the inaccuracy of
sight alignment with the missile center axis or the center axis of the
missile's inertial guidance system are corrected.
Referring now to FIG. 5 of the drawings, there is shown the external
portion of a flexible sight 30 constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. The flexible sight 30 has an
objective lens assembly 31 connected to one end of an elongated flexible
viewing tube assembly 32. The flexible sight 30 comprises a plurality of
lenses adapted to have a preselected magnifying power based upon the
normal scenario in which the weapon is employed. One of the lenses may be
removable and replaceable. Utilization of a replaceable lens adapts the
flexible sight 30 for use at different focal lengths. This permits the use
of the weapon for differing sighting environments and target distances.
The objective lens assembly 31 includes a lens housing 34 containing a
plurality of lenses and having a focusing adjustment ring 35. The lens
housing 34 may be any conventional objective having two, three or four
lenses, and having an aperture 25 mm in diameter or less. A suitable lens
housing 34 is obtainable from Edmunds Scientific, 101 E. Gloucester Pike,
Barrington, N.J. A flexible eyecup 36 made of rubber or neoprene, or the
like, is slipped over the viewing end of the lens housing 34 like a boot.
If desired, the eyecup 36 may be cemented in place although it is not
usually necessary because of the snug fit. The eyecup 36 excludes ambient
light and fits the facial contours of a gunner and acts as a cushion. A
suitable eyecup 36 is also available from Edmunds Scientific.
A cylindrical barrel 37, which is threaded at both ends, has the lens
housing 34 screwed into one end thereof. The cylindrical barrel 37 may be
made of a plastic such as polycarbonate, or the like. The cylindrical
barrel 37 serves the purpose of maintaining the lens housing 34 at a
suitable focal distance. A threaded ferrule 38 screwed into the other end
of the cylindrical barrel 37. The threaded ferrule 38 is fastened to one
end of a flexible sheath 40 formed of two interlocking spiral coils. The
flexible sheath 40 may be made of plastic or a metal such as stainless
steel, chrome plated steel, or the like. This type of flexible sheath 40
may be manually bent into a curved shape and will remain in that shape. It
is conventionally used in gooseneck lamps, microphone stands or armored
electrical cable such as that known as BX cable. A suitable flexible
sheath 40 may be obtained from MCM Electronics, 650 Congress Park Dr.,
Centerville, Ohio. The flexible sheath 40 forms the obedient sheathing
part of the viewing tube assembly 32. Typically, for use in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5, the flexible sheath 40 may be on the order of 12 to
20 inches long. However, in special situations, the viewing tube assembly
32, including the flexible sheath 40, may be five or six feet long, if
desired.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an image 60 that is typical of that
formed in the flexible sight 30. The flexible sight 30 is provided with a
reticle or cross hairs 61 that may be lined up on a target such as a tank
62. Stadia markers 63 are provided within the flexible sight 30 to give an
indication of the the target range. For example, if a tank of known size
exactly fills the distance between the stadia markers 63, then the tank 62
is exactly 500 yards away.
Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a side view of the threaded ferrule
38. The ferrule 38 is shown unscrewed and separated from the cylindrical
barrel 37 and separated from the flexible sheath 40 that were shown in
FIG. 5. Protruding from one end of the threaded ferrule 38 are broken-away
strands of a bundle of optical fibers 64. There may be 40,000 strands, for
example, in the bundle of optical fibers 64. Each strand may be on the
order of 0.0025 inch thick, and each strand is made of high quality
optical glass that transmits light with high efficiency. A suitable bundle
of optical fibers 64 may be obtained from the Galileo Company, located in
Massachusetts.
FIG. 8 shows the viewing end of the threaded ferrule 38 shown in FIG. 7.
The bundle of optical fibers 64 is arranged in the form of a rectangular
matrix having a top 65 and a side 66. The ends of the strands are arranged
in a predetermined order and bonded permanently together. The end of the
bundle of optical fibers 64 is optically polished to form a smooth planar
surface. The other end of the bundle of optical fibers 64 is finished in
the same manner, and the individual strands are arranged in the same
predetermined order. Any image that is focused on the matrix at the far
end travels down the bundle of optical fiber 64 and appears on the matrix
at the near or viewing end. In order to focus on the matrices, the lenses
are located about 0.5 inches therefrom which is the approximate focal
distance. This separation between the objective lens and the matrix is
provided by the cylindrical barrel 37 shown in FIG. 5. Fine adjustment of
the focus is achieved by moving the adjustment ring 35. It will be
understood that the embodiment illustrated is by way of example only. If
desired, the matrix may be square or circular, for example, and the number
of strands may be more or less than 40,000. If desired, the Galileo Co.
will provide the entire viewing tube assembly 32 ready made, terminated at
both ends, optically polished and ready to use.
FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a typical viewing tube assembly 32
constructed in accordance with the invention. The bundle of optical fibers
64 is covered with a protective sheath 67 which may be made of heat shrink
tubing, if desired. The protective sheath 67 keeps the bundle of optical
fibers 64 free from mechanical abrasion. Around that layer is disposed the
flexible sheath 40 that was described in detail hereinbefore. Finally,
around the flexible sheath 40 there may be placed an outer covering 68
that also may be made of heat shrink tubing, if desired. This outer
covering 68 may be omitted, if desired, although in some cases it may help
to keep dust and grit out of the viewing tube assembly 32, and it also may
serve ornamental purposes.
In operational use, the first step is to adjust this focusing adjustment
ring 35 to focus the image on the matrix at the far end of the viewing
tube assembly 32. The objective lens assembly 31 is moved to the
appropriate location by bending the flexible sheath 40. Appropriate
attachments such as a polarizing filter and an infrared filter are
selected. If desired, a zoom lens may be attached and switched in or out.
After use, the entire weapon may be discarded or thrown away, if desired.
Thus there has been described a new and improved missile sighting device
for use with a man-portable missile. It is to be understood that the
above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of some of the many
specific embodiments which represent applications of the principles of the
present invention. Clearly, numerous and other arrangements can be readily
devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of
the invention.
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